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December 18, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Major events to mark countdown to Confederation Anniversary

Soiree '99, the province's 50th Anniversary celebration of Confederation with Canada will be launched in fine style on New Year's Eve with a huge array of entertainment and special events, said Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

"In St. John's, our 50th anniversary celebrations will be launched with the participation of the Governor General, Romeo LeBlanc," said Furey. "His attendance is a great honour for Newfoundland and Labrador as we count down to our Confederation anniversary year."

The New Year's Eve show on the waterfront will be the best ever, featuring a huge array of entertainment and events and fireworks. From 11:30 p.m. to 12:45 a.m., the events will be broadcast throughout the province, and will also be available via satellite for telecast within Canada and parts of the United States.

"My department is working in conjunction with Anchor Events Ltd. to ensure a truly exciting beginning for our Soiree '99 celebrations," said Furey. "An outstanding line-up of entertainers including The Ennis Sisters, Celtic Connection and Kelly Russell will all contribute to our countdown to 1999."

For the younger set who can't make it to midnight, popular children's entertainer Sonya Abbott will lead a special countdown for kids earlier in the evening. Admission for the evening is free.

As another ceremonial highlight of the evening, the Royal Canadian Mint has chosen the St. John's New Year's Eve Celebrations as the venue to launch the first of 24 new millennium coins, with a featured unveiling involving their Excellancies the Governor General and Madame LeBlanc, and their Honours the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. House, Premier Brian Tobin and Mrs. Tobin and Ms. Danielle Wetherup, president of the Royal Canadian Mint.

Minister Furey noted that the province's Soiree '99 celebrations will extend well beyond our province's capital city.

"Gambo, the birthplace of Joseph R. Smallwood, will be a focal point for our Soiree'99 celebrations," he said. "Their countdown will be the first of a series of festivities the town has planned for next year, as the Soiree '99 celebrations will indeed be felt throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

"Being part of Canada has brought many benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador, and Joseph R. Smallwood deserves the lion's share of credit for leading the fight for Confederation," said Furey. "The Town of Gambo has made it a special mission to display and interpret Joey's life, so it is a perfect location to kick off the Soiree '99 celebrations."

Soiree '99 has a theme of Celebrating Canada Our Way, and that will certainly be the case on December 31 when the province has countdowns to 1999, one marking the time zone of the island, the other marking the time zone of Labrador.

"In Gambo and St. John's and in many other communities, New Year's Eve celebrations will send a great message to all of Canada that we're marking our half-century as a Canadian province with great enthusiasm," said Furey. "We invite one and all to join us in this exciting evening as we welcome our Confederation Anniversary year, and truly start our countdown to the New Millennium."

Media Contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1998 12 18 3:45 p.m.


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